Statue of a young athlete (The Westmacott Athlete)

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The athletic figure stands confidently in contrapposto, his nude body a testament to classical ideals. With a powerful motion, he raises his arm to place a laurel wreath upon his own head. A Roman copy of an ancient Greek original created around 430 BC, this statue is attributed to Polykleitos of Argos, a master sculptor known for his technical skill and artistic vision. Dating back to the 1st century AD, it bears the name of its former owner, Richard Westmacott. In 1857, The British Museum acquired this iconic work, which was later reproduced in plaster form. This particular copy originated from Greece's National Archaeological Museum, where a lesser-preserved version had been restored to its former glory.